The most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
